Medical fluid infusion and aspiration

ABSTRACT

In an embodiment, a slit valve catheter has a generally tubular catheter body with an exterior surface exposed to an environment and an interior surface defining a lumen. The catheter further includes a valve which has a protuberance projecting radially from the catheter body.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to medical fluid infusion and aspiration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infusion of fluid into the body or aspiration of fluid from the body isoften performed with a catheter which is inserted beneath the skin. Thecatheter has a lumen through which fluid can flow. In some designs, thelumen is closed at the insertion end of the catheter and fluidcommunication between the body environment outside the catheter and thelumen is controlled by a slit through the catheter wall which acts as avalve. The catheter has a hub on the end outside the body which can beconnected to a syringe for increasing and decreasing the pressure insidethe lumen.

For infusion, the fluid pressure inside the lumen is increased to forcethe catheter body adjacent the slit to flex outward, separating theopposing faces of the slit and forming an aperture through which fluidmay pass to the body environment. For aspiration, the pressure insidethe lumen is decreased to force the catheter body adjacent the slit tocollapse inward, forming an aperture through which fluid may flow intothe lumen. At neutral pressures, the catheter body assumes an unflexedcondition in which the faces of the slit are opposed, which forms a sealto prevent infusion or aspiration.

A valve can be made to permit infusion only, aspiration only, or bothinfusion and aspiration. A valve that operates for infusion only can beformed by making the slit in a convex catheter wall portion, since theconvex shape facilitates flexing outward while resisting flexing inward.A valve that operates for aspiration only can be formed by making theslit in a concave wall portion, which facilitates flexing inward whileresisting flexing outward. A flat wall portion facilitates flexing ineither direction and can be used to form a two-direction valve.

A two-direction valve may also be formed by chemical weakening of thecatheter wall adjacent the slit, which facilitates flexing in bothdirections so that the valve works smoothly during infusion andaspiration. The lumen may also be shaped with a linear side thatterminates to form regions of reduced catheter wall thickness. Theregions act as hinges at which inward and outward flexing is enhancedand the area between the regions may have a greater wall thickness whichfacilitates sealing.

The catheter may also have multiple valves and multiple lumens. Furtherdiscussion of catheters is found, for example, in Groshong U.S. Pat. No.4,549,879, Nichols U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,640, Lui U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,885,and Luther U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,807 the entire contents of all of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention features a slit valve catheter with anelongated, generally tubular catheter body having an exterior surfaceexposed to an environment and an interior surface defining a lumen. Thecatheter further includes a valve which has a protuberance projectingfrom the catheter body and a slit through the protuberance and catheterbody.

In another aspect, the invention features a slit valve catheter havingan elongated, generally tubular catheter body with an exterior surfaceexposed to an environment and an interior surface defining a lumen. Thecatheter further includes a valve with a generally convex exteriorsurface portion and a protuberance projecting radially outward from theconvex exterior surface portion into the environment and a slit throughthe protuberance and catheter body. The interior surface defines agenerally concave interior wall portion opposite the convex exteriorsurface portion.

In another aspect, the invention features a slit valve catheter with anelongated, generally tubular catheter body having an exterior surfaceexposed to an environment and an interior surface defining a lumen. Thecatheter further includes a valve with a generally concave exteriorsurface portion and a protuberance projecting radially inward from theinterior surface opposite the concave exterior surface portion and aslit through the protuberance and catheter body and having a generallyuniform wall thickness between the interior and exterior surface inportions adjacent the protuberance.

In another aspect, the invention features a slit valve catheter, havingan elongated, generally tubular catheter body with an exterior surfaceexposed to an environment and an interior surface defining a lumen. Thecatheter further includes a first valve and a second valve. The firstvalve includes a protuberance projecting radially from the catheter bodyand a slit through the protuberance and catheter body.

In another aspect, the invention features a slit valve catheter with anelongated, generally tubular catheter body having an exterior surfaceexposed to an environment and an interior surface defining a first lumenand a second lumen. The catheter further includes a first valve to thefirst lumen which has a protuberance projecting radially from thecatheter body and a slit through the protuberance and catheter body tothe first lumen.

In another aspect, the invention features infusing fluid into a body oraspirating fluid from a body by delivering into the body a catheterhaving a generally elongated catheter body including an exterior surfaceexposed to the body and an interior surface defining a lumen. Thecatheter further includes an aspiration valve and an infusion valve,where at least one of the valves includes a protuberance projecting fromthe catheter body for permitting one of aspiration or infusion whileresisting one of infusion or aspiration. The pressure in the lumen isvaried to effect infusion or aspiration.

Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. Theprotuberance has a radial projection no greater than the outer diameterof the catheter body. The protuberance has a width no greater than twicea thickness of the catheter body measured between the exterior surfaceand the interior surface at a region adjacent the protuberance. Theprotuberance has a geometrical inflection near its point of maximumprojection. (A geometrical inflection is the region where the curvatureof the catheter (viewed in cross-section) changes from concave to convexor conversely, or the region in which the slope of a line tangent to thecurvature is zero and the slope of lines adjacent the region havedifferent signs.) The protuberance has a pair of inflections near thecircumferential boundary of the protuberance. The protuberance isgenerally hemispherical. The protuberance is an integral extension ofthe catheter body. The protuberance extends axially no further than thevalve. The protuberance extends axially substantially the length of thecatheter body. The valve is on a sidewall of the catheter. The valve ison a forward-facing distal tip of the catheter.

Embodiments may also include one or more of the following. The valveincludes a region having a convex exterior surface portion and theprotuberance projects outwardly from the convex portion into theenvironment. The valve includes a region having a convex exteriorsurface portion and the protuberance projects inwardly from an interiorsurface portion opposite the convex surface portion. The valve includesa region having a concave exterior surface portion and the protuberanceprojects outwardly from the portion into the environment. The valveincludes a region having a concave exterior surface portion and theprotuberance projects inwardly from an interior surface portion oppositethe concave exterior surface portion. The valve includes a region havinga generally flat exterior surface portion and the protuberance projectsoutwardly from the flat exterior surface portion. The valve includes aregion having a generally flat exterior surface portion and theprotuberance projects inwardly from an interior surface portion oppositethe flat exterior surface portion. The interior surface portion isgenerally flat. The catheter includes a first protuberance projectingfrom the exterior surface and a second protuberance projecting from theinterior surface portion generally opposite the first protuberance. Theradial projection of the first protuberance is different than the radialprojection of the second protuberance.

Embodiments may also include one or more of the following. The interiorsurface is generally circular in cross-section. The exterior surface isgenerally circular in cross-section. The catheter has a generallyuniform wall thickness between the interior and exterior surface inportions adjacent the protuberance.

Embodiments may also include one or more of the following. The catheterhas a second valve and the second valve has a protuberance projectingradially from the catheter body and a slit through the protuberance andcatheter body. The protuberance on the first valve projects from theexterior surface of the catheter into the environment and theprotuberance on the second valve projects from the interior surface ofthe catheter body into the lumen. The first valve is proximal of thesecond valve. The second valve is on a forward-facing distal tip of thecatheter. The slit catheter has a second valve to the first lumen. Thecatheter has a third valve to a second lumen.

Embodiments may also include one or more of the following. Both anaspiration and infusion valve are in communication with the same lumenand each include a protuberance. The protuberance on the aspirationvalve being arranged to resist infusion and the protuberance on theinfusion valve is arranged to resist aspiration. Alternately infusionand aspirating fluid from the body by increasing and delivering pressurein the lumen. The catheter may be delivered into the body over aguidewire.

Implementations may provide one or more advantages. For example, theprotuberance may reduce leaks through the valve, especially leaks due tounintended valve openings when pressure conditions in the lumen areopposite to the intended valve operation direction. The protuberance canalso control the level of lumen pressure needed to open the valve. Theprotuberance valves may be used on very thin-walled catheters in whichthe wall thickness is not sufficient to create an effective seal. Athinner catheter wall can provide a larger lumen, which may permitgreater infusion and aspiration flow rates without substantiallyincreasing the overall catheter diameter or the pressure differentialneeded to operate the valve.

Further aspects, features, and advantages follow.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

We first briefly describe the drawings.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view, in partial cross-section, of a catheter in avessel;

FIG. 2 is an end-on cross-section of a pair of valves as they wouldappear when viewed along the line 2--2 in FIG. 1, with the valves in acondition where neither infusion, nor aspiration is taking place;

FIG. 3 is a similar end-on cross-section of the valves in FIG. 2 duringinfusion;

FIG. 4 is a similar end-on cross-section of the valves in FIG. 2, duringaspiration;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-section in the valve regions in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an end-on cross-section of another embodiment with a pair ofvalves as they would appear when viewed along the line 2--2 in FIG. 1,with the valves in a condition where neither infusion nor aspiration istaking place;

FIG. 7 is a similar end-on cross-section of the embodiment in FIG. 6,during infusion;

FIG. 8 is a similar end-on cross-section of the embodiment of FIG. 6during aspiration;

FIG. 9 is an end-on cross-section of another embodiment with a pair ofvalves as they would appear when viewed along the line 2--2 in FIG. 1,in a condition where neither infusion, nor aspiration is taking place;

FIG. 10 is an end-on cross-section of another embodiment with a pair ofvalves as they would appear when viewed along the line 2--2 in FIG. 1,in a condition where neither infusion, nor aspiration is taking place;

FIG. 11 is an end-on cross-section of another embodiment with a pair ofvalves as they would appear when viewed along the line 2--2 FIG. 1, in acondition where neither infusion, nor aspiration is taking place.

FIG. 12 is a side view in partial cross-section of another embodiment;

FIG. 13a is an end-on cross-section along the line 13a--13a and FIG. 13bis an end-on cross-section along line 13b--13b in FIG. 12, with thevalves in a condition where neither infusion, nor aspiration is takingplace.

FIGS. 14 and 14a are longitudinal cross sections of another embodiment.

DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a catheter 2 is placed beneath the skin 4 into, forexample, a vessel 6 for either infusing fluid such as drug, nutrient,blood or other body fluid, into the body, or aspirating fluid from thebody. The catheter includes an elongated polymeric member 7 which has anouter surface 8 exposed to the body environment and an inner surface 9defining a lumen 10 which extends substantially the length of thecatheter. The lumen is closed at the distal end 12 of the catheter andcan be accessed at the proximal end 13 through a fitting 14, forexample, a standard luer lock, which is connected to a syringe 16 oranother suitable device for injecting or withdrawing fluid from thelumen 10.

The insertion portion of the catheter has a pair of slit valve regions,including a first valve region 18 and a second valve region 20, whichpermit fluid communication between the body environment and the lumen 10by varying the pressure in the lumen, P_(L), relative to the pressure inthe body environment, P_(E).

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, one embodiment of a pair of valves, which arelocated in the valve regions 18, 20, is illustrated in a series ofend-on cross-sectional views. In this case, the catheter cross-sectionis circular. In FIG. 2, the valve regions are shown in the condition inwhich the valves are sealed, for example, when the lumen pressure P_(L)is essentially equal to the environmental pressure P_(E). The firstvalve region 18 is used only for aspiration. The second valve region 20is used only for infusion. Valve region 18 includes a slit 24 and valveregion 26 includes a slit 28. The catheter has protuberances 22 having awidth, W, between boundary inflection points and having a radialprojection P from the catheter wall, which has a thickness T.

The valves also include protuberances 22, 26 which project from thecatheter body. In this case, both valves have the same generally convexouter catheter walls, with the protuberances arranged to make the valvesfunction as one-way valves in opposite directions; one one-way valve isfor aspiration only and the other is for infusion only. The first valveregion 18 has a generally convex outer wall surface with a protuberance22 projecting from the inner wall surface into the lumen 10 of thecatheter. Slit 24 extends through protuberance 22. The second valveregion also has a generally convex outer wall surface but with aprotuberance 26 projecting outward. Slit 28 also extends throughprotuberance 26.

Referring to FIG. 3, for infusion, the pressure in the lumen isincreased, for example, by depressing the plunger 17 of the syringe 16(FIG. 1), which creates the condition that the lumen pressure P_(L) isgreater than the environment pressure P_(E). The increased lumenpressure acts upon the inwardly projecting protuberance 22 to create agreater sealing force (arrows 23) than in the absence of theprotuberance. The secure seal prevents any uncontrolled infusion throughthe first valve region. In the second valve region 20, the increasedlumen pressure creates a force (arrows 23') that causes the catheterwall to flex outwardly along a flexure region spaced from the slit; theprotuberance 26 does not substantially inhibit opening of the slitvalve, permitting a controlled infusion to take place.

Referring to FIG. 4, for aspiration, the pressure within the lumen isreduced by, for example, withdrawing the plunger 17 of the syringe 16(FIG. 1). In the first valve region 18, the reduced pressure causes thecatheter wall to flex inwardly along flexure regions 31; theprotuberance 22 does not substantially interfere with the inward flexingof the valve, permitting controlled aspiration of fluid through thefirst valve. In the second valve region 20 the protuberance 26 resistsinversion or collapse under an external force 21, preventinguncontrolled aspiration through the second valve.

The protuberances assist valve operation by projecting into theenvironment or lumen. For example, projection of the protuberance into alumen increases sealing forces on the slit when the pressure in thelumen is increased because the protuberance modifies the contour aboutthe slit such that the components of pressure vectors perpendicular tothe slit are larger. The protuberances illustrated in the embodimentabove are generally hemispherical with geometrical inflections 25, 25'at the location of greatest projection and further geometricalinflections 27, 27' and 29, 29' near or at the boundaries of theprotuberance, where projection from the catheter body begins. Referringto FIG. 5, these protuberances also have short axial projections, whichextend only within the valve regions and generally correspond to thelength, E, of the slit.

The shape and dimensions of the protuberance may be modified. The widthof the protuberance is preferably about twice the thickness of thecatheter body adjacent the protuberance or less. The projection of aprotuberance into a lumen is preferably equal to or less than the lumendiameter. The protuberance may project across substantially the entirewidth of a lumen. The projection as measured from the outer surface of acatheter is preferably equal to or less than the outer diameter of thecatheter. The protuberance may project from a catheter body having anotherwise uniform geometrical configuration, as indicated above, or theprotuberance may project from a catheter body having an irregular orcontoured inner and/or outer wall surface. The inflection points oneither side of the protuberance are preferably spaced from the flexureor hinge region of the valve. The protuberance may also be asymmetricalin cross-section and may not have inflections at its boundaries, butinstead extend smoothly from the otherwise uniform thickness and profileof the catheter wall. The protuberance may be oblong in shape.

One advantage is that the catheter may be operated at higher lumenpressures during infusion without inversion of the first valve whichcould lead to leaks or uncontrolled infusion. Similarly, the outwardlyextending protuberance in the second valve region enhances sealingduring aspiration through the first valve. Higher vacuum can be usedduring aspiration without inversion of the second valve. Alternatively,the catheter can be arranged for operation at lower pressuredifferentials for both infusion and aspiration. For example, the entirecatheter body can be made of somewhat weak, thin-walled construction.The protuberance in the second valve region prevents collapse of thesecond valve during aspiration. During infusion through the secondvalve, the protuberance of the first valve prevents outward inversion. Aprotuberance can be used to make a one-way valve from a valve that wouldordinarily operate for both infusion and aspiration. For example, thevalve wall may be weakened by chemical treatment or by reducing thethickness of the polymer, which would ordinarily encourage valve actionin either direction. However, a protuberance may be used to preventvalve action in one direction.

MANUFACTURE

The catheters may be manufactured by injection molding or by modifyingan extruded tube. For example, extrusion may be used to provide auniform polymeric tube, to which a hub is attached at one end and theother end is sealed. Insert molding can then be used to provide thedesired geometry of the slit regions. The slits could then be created inthe desired valve locations as a subsequent mechanical operation. Insertmolding allows the tip to be formed of a material either identical to ordissimilar from the catheter tube. The molded details in theprotuberances include axial cross sectional geometry, protuberancelongitudinal cross sectional geometry, protuberance length, wallthickness, degree of concave/convex curvature, etc. Other manufacturingtechniques include melting or otherwise adhering the catheter portionsas components or post-forming an extruded tube.

In particular embodiments, the polymer may be polyurethane, silicones,polyethylenes, nylons, polyesters and polyester elastomers. In oneexample, the catheter is polyurethane (e.g., Tecoflex, available fromThermedics, Woburn, Mass.). The overall OD of the catheter is about 3-16French. The overall length of the catheter is about 20-60 cm. Forexample, a 5 French catheter may have a substantially constant catheterbody wall thickness, T, (FIG. 2) of about 0.015 inch and lumen diameterof about 0.035 inch. Protuberances are hemispherical, have a radialprojection, P, (FIG. 2) of about 0.015 inch, a longitudinal extension,E, (FIG. 5) of about 0.200 inch and a width, W, between boundaryinflection points (FIG. 2) of about 0.030 inch. The slit is formed by acutting device, such as a razor and has a length of 0.200 inch,substantially the same as the longitudinal projection of theprotuberance.

ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, another embodiment of a two-valve catheter isillustrated. In this case, the first valve region 18 is used foraspiration. It includes an outer wall surface that is generally concaveand a slit in the wall of the concave region. As known in the art, theconcave surface assists opening of the slit by inward flexing of thecatheter wall when a low pressure condition exists in the lumen, thusfacilitating aspiration. The second valve region 20 has a generallyconvex outer surface. As known in the art, the convex surface assistsopening of the slit by outward flexing of the catheter wall whenpressure is increased in the catheter lumen, which facilitates infusion.

Both valve regions include a protuberance in the region of the slit. Inthe first valve region, a protuberance 42 projects into the lumen. Inthe second valve region, a protuberance 44 projects radially outwardinto the environment. Slit 43 extends through protuberance 42 and slit45 extends through protuberance 44.

During infusion, the inwardly projecting protuberance 42 enhancessealing of the first valve region (FIG. 7) when lumen pressure isincreased creating an internal force 23' to open the second valveregion. During aspiration, fluid is aspirated through the first valveregion (FIG. 8), without interference from the protuberance 42, whilesealing is enhanced at the second valve region by the force 21 acting onthe outward projecting protuberance 44. The protuberance 42 on theinfusion valve prevents inversion at the somewhat higher pressuredifferentials needed for operation of an aspiration valve with a convexouter surface.

In another embodiment, both valve regions have concave outer surfaces,with the first valve having an inwardly projecting protuberance and thesecond valve having an outwardly projecting protuberance. The firstvalve is used for aspiration and the second valve is used for infusion.

Referring to FIG. 9, in another embodiment, both the first and secondvalve regions include outwardly projecting protuberances and theprotuberances project different amounts. The first valve regionprotuberance 52, projects less than the second valve region protuberance54. The valves are shown in a neutral pressure condition. Foraspiration, a controlled lumen pressure causes the first valve region toinvert while the larger protuberance 54 in the second valve regionprevents inversion. For infusion, an increase in pressure causes bothfirst and second valve regions to open.

Referring to FIG. 10, in another embodiment, the first valve regionincludes an outwardly projecting protuberance 62 while the second valveregion includes both an outwardly projecting protuberance 64 and aninwardly projecting protuberance 66. The protuberance 66 projects to alesser extent than the protuberance 64. The catheter is shown in acondition where neither infusion, nor aspiration is taking place. Duringinfusion, the first valve opens first, at low initial pressure whileinward projection 66 keeps the second valve sealed. At higher pressure,the sealing effect of the inward projection 66 is overcome and infusionoccurs through both of the values. Preferably, this embodiment is usedfor infusion only. In an alternate embodiment, both valves could bearranged for aspiration only, by forming both first and second regionswith concave exterior surfaces.

Referring to FIG. 11, another embodiment has a first valve region thatincludes a flat surface 70 with an outwardly projecting protuberance 72and the second valve region also includes a flat region 74 without anyprotuberance. During aspiration, the protuberance 72 prevents opening ofthe first valve while aspiration occurs through the second valve.Infusion may occur through both the first and second valves.

Referring to FIGS. 12-13b, in another embodiment, a multilumen catheteris provided with multiple valve regions. Referring particularly to FIG.12, the catheter 80 includes a catheter body 82 with an exterior surface84 and an interior surface 86 between which the outer catheter wallthickness is defined. The interior surface, and an inner lumen wall 87,define a first lumen 88 and a second lumen 90. Both lumens 88, 90 areclosed at the distal end 92 of the catheter and can be accessed througha luer coupling 94 at the proximal end of the catheter. The lumen 88 isin fluid communication with the environment through a first valve region96 and a second valve region 100. The lumen 90 is in communication withthe environment through a valve region 98.

Referring particularly to FIG. 13a, an end on cross section illustratesthe valve regions 96, 98. Region 98 includes a generally convex outerwall surface geometry and an outwardly projecting protuberance 102, anda slit 97 extending through the wall and protuberance 102. The region 96includes a generally concave outer wall surface geometry and an inwardlyprojecting protuberance 103 and a slit 99 extending through the wall andprotuberance 103.

Referring to FIG. 13b, an end on cross section illustrates the valveregion 100, which includes a generally convex catheter geometry and aslit 101 extending through the body. The region 96 also includes anoutwardly projecting protuberance 104.

In operation, infusion can be carried out by increasing the pressure inthe lumens 88 and 90, which causes the valves at regions 98, 100 to openand the valve at region 96 to seal tightly. For aspiration, pressure inlumen 88 is reduced which causes the valve at region 96 to open whilethe valve at region 100 seals tightly. Alternatively, or simultaneously,with infusion or aspiration as above, infusion can occur by increasingthe pressure in lumen 88 to open the valve at region 100. Furthermulti-lumen catheter embodiments include catheters in which one or bothof the lumens have a valve arrangement as described in FIGS. 1-11.

Referring to FIG. 14, in another embodiment, at least one slit valve 105is provided at the forward-facing distal tip of the catheter. In thisexample, the tip has a generally convex, hemispherical outer surface 106and a protuberance 108 extending outwardly from the catheter andincluding a slit 110 for use as an infusion valve. (Alternatively, thetip of the catheter may be concave for use as an aspiration valve.)Referring particularly to FIG. 14a, a catheter with a slit valve at thetip may make delivery over a guidewire 112 easier. The guidewire mayextend through the valve 105 into the lumen 114. As illustrated, theguidewire may exit the lumen through a slit region 116 on the catheterwall to facilitate rapid exchange of the guidewire. (Alternatively, theguidewire 112 may extend through the lumen to the proximal hub. Theguidewire could also be passed through a valve on the side wall of thecatheter, without passing through the valve at the tip.) The cathetermay include additional valves, such as a slit valve 118 for infusion.The tip of the catheter may be manufactured as a separate componentwhich is glued or molded, at attachment point 120, to the rest of thecatheter body. In use, the catheter may be slid over the guidewire intoa vessel. Infusion or aspiration may be conducted while the guidewireextends through the valve. Alternatively, the guidewire can be withdrawnfrom the valve prior to infusion or aspiration.

In additional embodiments, the catheter and valve types can be used invarious combinations to create various combinations of infusion andaspiration effects using the principles illustrated above. Aprotuberance could be used on a catheter with a single slit valve. Theprotuberance may be trimmed manually by the physician prior to placementin the body to select the pressure differential needed to operate thevalve. The protuberance could continue a distance along the catheter,for example, substantially the length of the catheter. The catheters canbe sized for use in various parts of the body. A valve may have multipleintersecting slits. Multiple valves may be offset radially. In catheterswith multiple valves, an infusion valve may be positioned proximal of anaspiration valve, for, e.g., flushing the downstream exterior of thecatheter including the aspiration valve area with Urokinase to dissolvefibrin deposits. Alternatively, an infusion valve may be positioneddistal of the aspiration valve, preferably near the distal end of thecatheter, to facilitate flushing the full length of the lumen andavoiding dead volume. The catheters can be used in the vascular systemfor central venous access, to deliver, for example, drugs to a cancerpatient. The catheter can be placed by a cutdown or the Seldingertechnique.

Still further embodiments are within the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A slit valve catheter, comprising:an elongated,generally tubular catheter body having an exterior surface exposed to anenvironment and an interior surface defining a lumen, said catheter bodyincluding a valve comprising a protuberance projecting from the catheterbody and a slit through the protuberance and the catheter body.
 2. Thecatheter of claim 1 wherein said protuberance projects from the exteriorsurface of the catheter body into the environment.
 3. The catheter ofclaim 1 wherein said protuberance projects from the interior surfaceinto the lumen.
 4. The catheter of claim 1 wherein the protuberance hasa radial projection, measured from the exterior surface of said catheterbody, that is no greater than the diameter of the catheter body.
 5. Thecatheter of claim 1 wherein the protuberance has a width no greater thantwice a thickness of the catheter body measured between the exteriorsurface and the interior surface at a region adjacent the protuberance.6. The catheter of claim 1 wherein the protuberance has a geometricalinflection near its point of maximum projection.
 7. The catheter ofclaim 1 or 6 wherein the protuberance has a pair of inflections near thecircumferential boundary of the protuberance.
 8. The catheter of claim 1wherein the protuberance is generally hemispherical.
 9. The catheter ofclaim 1 wherein the protuberance is an integral extension of saidcatheter body.
 10. The catheter of claim 1 wherein the protuberanceextends axially no further than the slit.
 11. The catheter of claim 1wherein the protuberance extends axially substantially the length ofsaid catheter body.
 12. The catheter of claim 1 wherein the valve is ona sidewall of the catheter.
 13. The catheter of claim 1 wherein thevalve is on a forward-facing distal tip of the catheter.
 14. Thecatheter of claim 1 wherein said valve includes a region having a convexexterior surface portion and said protuberance projects outwardly fromsaid convex portion into the environment.
 15. The catheter of claim 1wherein said valve includes a region having a convex exterior surfaceportion and said protuberance projects inwardly from an interior surfaceportion opposite said convex surface portion.
 16. The catheter of claim1 wherein said valve includes a region having a concave exterior surfaceportion and said protuberance projects outwardly from said portion intothe environment.
 17. The catheter of claim 1 wherein said valve includesa region having a concave exterior surface portion and said protuberanceprojects inwardly from an interior surface portion opposite said concaveexterior surface portion.
 18. The catheter of claim 1 wherein said valveincludes a region having a generally flat exterior surface portion andsaid protuberance projects outwardly from said flat exterior surfaceportion.
 19. The catheter of claim 1 wherein said valve includes aregion having a generally flat exterior surface portion and saidprotuberance projects inwardly from an interior surface portion oppositesaid flat exterior surface portion.
 20. The catheter of claim 18 or 19wherein said interior surface portion is generally flat.
 21. Thecatheter of claim 1 further comprising two valves, a first one of thevalves comprising a first protuberance projecting from the exteriorsurface and a second one of the valves comprising a second protuberanceprojecting from the interior surface generally opposite said firstprotuberance.
 22. The catheter of claim 21 wherein the amount ofprojection of the first protuberance is different than the amount ofprojection of the second protuberance.
 23. A slit valve catheter,comprising:an elongated, generally tubular catheter body having anexterior surface exposed to an environment and an interior surfacedefining a lumen, said catheter body including a valve comprising agenerally convex exterior surface portion and a protuberance projectingradially outward from the convex exterior surface portion into theenvironment and a slit through the protuberance and the catheter body,the interior surface defining a generally concave interior surfaceportion opposite the convex exterior surface portion.
 24. The catheterof claim 23 wherein said interior surface is generally circular incross-section.
 25. The catheter of claim 24 wherein said exteriorsurface is generally circular in cross-section.
 26. The catheter ofclaim 25 wherein the catheter has a generally uniform wall thicknessbetween said interior and exterior surface in portions adjacent saidprotuberance.
 27. The catheter of claim 26 wherein said protuberance isgenerally hemispherical.
 28. A slit valve catheter, comprising:anelongated, generally tubular catheter body having an exterior surfaceexposed to an environment and an interior surface defining a lumen, saidcatheter body including a valve comprising a generally concave exteriorsurface portion and a protuberance projecting radially inward from theinterior surface opposite the concave exterior surface portion and aslit through the protuberance and the catheter body, and having agenerally uniform wall thickness between the interior and exteriorsurface in portions adjacent said protuberance.
 29. The catheter ofclaim 28 wherein said protuberance is generally hemispherical.
 30. Aslit valve catheter, comprisingan elongated, generally tubular catheterbody having an exterior surface exposed to an environment and aninterior surface defining a lumen, said catheter body including a firstvalve and a second valve, said first valve comprising a protuberanceprojecting radially from the catheter body and a slit through theprotuberance and the catheter body.
 31. The catheter of claim 30 whereinsaid protuberance projects from the exterior surface of said catheterbody into the environment.
 32. The catheter of claim 30 wherein saidprotuberance projects from the interior surface into the lumen.
 33. Thecatheter of claim 30 wherein the second valve has a protuberanceprojecting radially from the catheter body and a slit through theprotuberance and catheter body.
 34. The catheter of claim 33 wherein theprotuberance on the first valve projects from the exterior surface ofthe catheter into the environment and the protuberance on the secondvalve projects from the interior surface of the catheter body into thelumen.
 35. The catheter of claim 34 wherein the first valve is proximalof the second valve.
 36. The catheter of claim 34 wherein the firstvalve is distal of the second valve.
 37. The catheter of claim 34wherein said second valve is on a forward-facing distal tip of thecatheter.
 38. The catheter of claim 29 wherein said protuberance isgenerally hemispherical.
 39. A slit valve catheter, comprising:anelongated, generally tubular catheter body having an exterior surfaceexposed to an environment and an interior surface defining a first lumenand a second lumen, said catheter body including a first valve to saidfirst lumen, said first valve comprising a protuberance projectingradially from the catheter body and a slit through the protuberance andthe catheter body to said first lumen.
 40. The slit valve catheter ofclaim 39 comprising a second valve to said first lumen.
 41. The slitvalve catheter of claim 40 comprising a third valve to said secondlumen.
 42. A method of infusing fluid into a body or aspirating fluidfrom a body comprising:delivering into the body a catheter having agenerally elongated catheter body including an exterior surface exposedto the body and an interior surface defining a lumen, the catheterfurther including an aspiration valve and an infusion valve, wherein atleast one of said valves includes a protuberance projecting from thecatheter body for permitting one of aspiration or infusion whileresisting one of infusion or aspiration, and varying pressure in saidlumen to effect infusion or aspiration.
 43. The method of claim 42wherein both said aspiration and infusion valves are in communicationwith the same lumen and each include a protuberance, said protuberanceon said aspiration valve being arranged to resist infusion and saidprotuberance on said infusion valve being arranged to resist aspiration,and alternately infusion and aspirating fluid from said body byincreasing and decreasing pressure in said lumen.
 44. The method ofclaim 43 comprising delivering said catheter into the body using aguidewire.